Communal vehicle system

ABSTRACT

In a motor vehicle sharing system for managing motor vehicles are parked in a parking area and renting the motor vehicles to users, the motor vehicle is provided with a detector for detecting a start of motor vehicle rental and end of the motor vehicle rental, and an usage data measuring section for starting a measurement for a motor vehicle usage data when the detector detects a start of the motor vehicle rental and completing the measurement for the motor vehicle usage data when the detector detects an end of the motor vehicle rental. The detector contains a position detector for detecting the parking area. The motor vehicle is further provided with a membership list in which a user information is recorded, a charge list, a rentability judging section which refers the information which is inputted by the ser when the user rents the motor vehicle to the record in the membership list so as to judge the rentability of the motor vehicle to the user, a charging data generating section which refers a motor vehicle usage data which is measured from the rented time through the returned time by the usage data measuring section to the record in the charge list so as to produce a charging data tot the user. By doing this, it is possible to perform the rental and return operation of the motor vehicle without relying on the control center  1.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Present invention relates to a motor vehicle sharing system in whichmotor vehicles are used by a plurality of users. In particular, thepresent invention relates to a motor vehicle sharing system which ismost preferable for a reliable rental and return operation of thevehicles.

BACKGROUND ART

Conventionally, in a motor vehicle sharing system, various ideas areproposed for purposes of efficient use of the motor vehicles by users soas to obtain transportation measures smoothly.

Among such proposals, a Patent Publication No. 3,064,615 discloses atechnology for a motor vehicle rental system in which motor vehicles areused which are provided with communication measures for transmitting andreceiving information which relate to a rental and return of the motorvehicle such as an identification information for identifying the user,a usage permission information for permitting for using the motorvehicle, and a usage information which indicate a usage condition of themotor vehicle. According the Patent Publication, a control centermanages the motor vehicles by transmitting and receiving informationwhich relates to the motor vehicle, a rental of the motor vehicle, and areturn of the motor vehicles in a plurality of parking areas which arelocated in distant places from the control center.

In the above conventional motor vehicle control system, when a userpushes a return button which is disposed in the motor vehicle in apredetermined parking area, a usage information such as a used chargedata is transmitted to the control center. However, the control centerreceives the usage information and judges in which parking area themotor vehicle is returned according to a position information which iscontained in the usage information. The used charge is processed onlywhen the parking area is identified as a designated parking area.Therefore, when a communication between the control center and the motorvehicle is disrupted, there are problems that it is not possible toprocess the used charge in the control center and the user cannot returnthe motor vehicle because a card is not returned.

The present invention is made in consideration of the above problems. Anobject of the present invention is to provide a motor vehicle sharingsystem in which a motor vehicle can perform a motor vehicle rental andreturn process independently without depending on the control center.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

In order to solve the above problems, a motor vehicle sharing systemaccording to the present invention for managing parked motor vehicles(for example, shared motor vehicle 2 in an embodiment) in the parkingarea and renting the motor vehicles to users is characterized in thatthe motor vehicle is provided with a detector for detecting a start ofmotor vehicle rental when a motor vehicle rental is permitted to a userand end of the motor vehicle rental, and an usage data measuring sectionfor starting a measurement for a motor vehicle usage data when thedetector detects a start of the motor vehicle rental and completing themeasurement for the motor vehicle usage data when the detector detectsan end of the motor vehicle rental.

By doing this, even when the control center cannot be operated because acommunication between the shared motor vehicle and the control centerfor controlling the shared motor vehicle is disrupted, the shared motorvehicle judges the status of the rental such as a start of a rental oran end of a rental by a detector and obtain a motor vehicle usage datafor controlling the rental and return of the motor vehicle.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, in a motor vehiclesharing system for managing parked motor vehicles and renting the motorvehicles to users, it is preferable that the detector includes aposition detector for detecting a parking area, the usage data measuringsection starts measuring the motor vehicle usage data when the usagedata measuring section detects a departure of the position detector fromthe parking area, and the usage data measuring section completesmeasuring the motor vehicle usage data when the usage data measuringsection detects an arrival of the position detector at the parking area(for example, steps S17 to S20, and steps S23 to S27 in a firstembodiment).

By doing this, even when the control center cannot be operated because acommunication between the shared motor vehicle and the control centerfor controlling the shared motor vehicle is disrupted, it is possiblethat the shared motor vehicle judges the status of the motor vehiclesuch as a departure of the motor vehicle from the parking area and areturn of the motor vehicle at the parking area by the detector andobtains the motor vehicle usage data for controlling a rental and areturn of the motor vehicle.

It is preferable that the motor vehicle is further provided with acommunication confirming section (for example, a step S41 in anembodiment) for confirming whether or not it is possible to communicateto the control center when the usage data measuring section completesmeasuring the motor vehicle usage data, a temporary data storing andtransmitting section (or example, a step S28 in an embodiment) fortransmitting the motor vehicle usage data to the control center when thecommunication confirming section judges that it is possible tocommunicate with the control center, storing temporarily the motorvehicle usage data in an data storing section when the communicationconfirming section judges that it is not possible to communicate withthe control center, and transmitting the motor vehicle usage data to thecontrol center after it is possible to communicate with the controlcenter.

By doing this, even when the control center cannot be operated because acommunication between the shared motor vehicle and the control centerfor controlling the shared motor vehicle is disrupted, it is possiblethat the control center acknowledges the motor vehicle usage data forcontrolling the rental and the return of the motor vehicle because theshared motor vehicle stores the motor vehicle usage data which isobtained during a communication is disrupted in an information storingdevice temporarily and transmits all of the obtained motor vehicle usagedata to the control center when a communication condition recoversthereafter.

It is preferable that the position detector contains a receiver (forexample, a tag antenna 36 and an ID tag reader, and an ETC (ElectronicToll Collection) transmitting and receiving device in an embodiment)which receives a signal which is made in a signal generator (forexample, an ID tag 52 and an ETC transmitting and receiving device)which is disposed in the parking area, and the position detector judgeswhether a motor vehicle departs the parking area or arrives at theparking area according to whether or not there is a signal arrived inthe receiver.

By doing this, it is possible that the shared motor vehicle obtain anaccurate parking position in the parking area.

It is preferable that the position detector judges whether a motorvehicle departs the parking area or arrives at the parking areaaccording to a GPS (Global Positioning System).

By doing this, it is possible that the shared motor vehicle obtain aparking position in the parking area without disposing a new facilitiesin the parking area.

It is preferable that the control center performs calculation processfor a used charge according to the motor vehicle usage data.

By doing this, it is possible that the control center can bill for ausage of the motor vehicle according to the usage condition of the motorvehicle accurately.

It is preferable that the motor vehicle usage data contains at least ausage time of the motor vehicle, a used fuel amount in the motorvehicle, and a driving distance of the motor vehicle.

By doing this, it is possible that the control center manages a motorvehicle rental operation according to various information.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, a motor vehiclesharing system for managing parked motor vehicles in the parking areaand renting the motor vehicles to users is characterized in that themotor vehicle is further provided with a detector for detecting a startof a motor vehicle rental and an end of a motor vehicle rental when amotor vehicle rental is permitted to a user, a usage data measuringsection (for example, steps S9 to step S16 in a second embodiment) whichstarts measuring the motor vehicle usage data when the usage datameasuring section detects a departure of the position detector from theparking area and completes measuring the motor vehicle usage data whenthe usage data measuring section detects an arrival of the positiondetector at the parking area, a membership list (for example, amembership list 40 in a second embodiment) in which information of userswho can use motor vehicle motors, a charge list (for example, a chargelist 42 in a second embodiment) on which a relationship of the motorvehicle usage data which relates to a motor vehicle rental and returnand the used charge for the motor vehicle is recorded, a rentabilityjudging section (for example, steps S3 to S4 in a second embodiment) forjudging whether or not the motor vehicle can be rented to the user byreferring the information which is inputted by the user when the motorvehicle is rented to the records in the membership list, a charging datagenerating section (for example, steps S17 to S19 in a secondembodiment) for making a charging data of the user by referring themotor vehicle usage data which is measured during the rental of themotor vehicle and the return of the motor vehicle by the usage datameasuring section to the records in the charge list.

By doing this, the shared motor vehicle can judge a rentability of amotor vehicle to a user by referring an information which is inputted bythe user to a membership list which is prepared in the shared motorvehicle when the shared motor vehicle is rented. Also, the shared motorvehicle can perform a motor vehicle rental and return processes byreferring the motor vehicle usage data which is measured during themotor vehicle is used to a charge list which is prepared in the motorvehicle and calculating a used charge for the usage of the motor vehiclewhen the shared motor vehicle is returned.

It is preferable that, in a motor vehicle sharing system according tothe present invention is characterized in further comprising a controlcenter which transmits and receives a charging data with a vehicle. Inthis aspect of the present invention, it is characterized in that themotor vehicle is provided with a transmitter (for example, a step S22 ina second embodiment) which transmits a charging data to the controlcenter, and the control center is provided with a charge billing section(or example, a step S26 in a second embodiment) which calculates a usedcharge according to the charging data for a predetermined period andbills the used charge to the user.

By doing this, the control center can perform a billing process by theaccurate motor vehicle usage data which is calculated by the sharedmotor vehicle according to the charging data which is calculated by theshared motor vehicle.

It is preferable that the control center has a master membership listwhich contains a latest data of users who can use motor vehicles, andthe motor vehicle obtains the master membership list from the controlcenter every time the user uses the motor vehicle and updates themembership list.

By doing this, it is possible to provide a motor vehicle rental businessservice based on a latest membership information.

It is preferable that the control center has the master membership list(for example, a membership list 12 in an embodiment) which contains alatest data of users who can use motor vehicles, and the motor vehicleobtains the master membership list from the control center periodicallyand updates the membership list.

By doing this, it is possible to provide a motor vehicle rental businessservice based on a latest membership information while restricting acommunication processes for obtaining the membership list.

It is preferable that the control center has the master membership list(for example, a membership list 12 in an embodiment) which contains alatest data of users who can use motor vehicles, and the motor vehicleobtains the master membership list from the control center and updatesthe membership list when an information which is inputted by the user isnot recorded in the membership list.

By doing this, it is possible to provide a motor vehicle rental businessservice based on a latest membership information while restricting acommunication processes for obtaining the membership list in a minimumlevel.

It is preferable that, the motor vehicle further comprises a positiondetector (for example, a tag antenna 36 and an ID tag reader 37 in anembodiment) for detecting a parking area. In this aspect of the presentinvention, it is preferable that the usage data measuring section startsmeasuring the motor vehicle usage data when a departure of the positiondetector from the parking area is detected, and the usage data measuringsection completes measuring the motor vehicle usage data when an arrivalof the position detector at the parking area is detected.

By doing this, the shared motor vehicle can judge a status of the motorvehicle and obtain a motor vehicle usage data even when a communicationbetween the shared motor vehicle and the control center is disrupted.

It is preferable that the motor vehicle usage data contains at least ausage time of the motor vehicle, a used fuel amount of the motorvehicle, or a driving distance of the motor vehicle.

By doing this, the control center can manage a motor vehicle rentaloperation according to various information.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram for a first embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 2 is a view for a structure in a shared motor vehicle which is usedin the first embodiment according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 show a port for parking a shared motor vehicle which is used inembodiments according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 show an entire operation in a motor vehicle sharing systemaccording to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 shows an entire operation in a motor vehicle sharing systemaccording to the first embodiment.

FIG. 6 shows an entire operation in a motor vehicle sharing systemaccording to the first embodiment.

FIG. 7 shows an entire operation in a motor vehicle sharing systemaccording to the first embodiment.

FIG. 8 shows an entire operation in a motor vehicle sharing systemaccording to the first embodiment.

FIG. 9 shows an entire operation in a motor vehicle sharing systemaccording to the first embodiment.

FIG. 10 shows operations in a motor vehicle sharing system in otherexample of the embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram for a second embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 12 is a view for a structure in a shared motor vehicle which isused in the first embodiment according to the present invention.

FIG. 13 show an entire operation in a motor vehicle sharing systemaccording to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 show an entire operation in a motor vehicle sharing systemaccording to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 show an entire operation in a motor vehicle sharing systemaccording to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 show an entire operation in a motor vehicle sharing systemaccording to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 show an entire operation in a motor vehicle sharing systemaccording to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18 show an entire operation in a motor vehicle sharing systemaccording to the first embodiment of the present invention.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention are explained with reference todrawings as follows.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram for a first embodiment of the presentinvention.

In FIG. 1, a control center 1 is a control center which manages variousoperations such as a reservation and an allocation of the shared motorvehicle 2 which is used by a user in common and a billing operation of aused charge for a share use of motor vehicles which are parked in aparking area which is called a port. Reference numeral 3 indicates afinancial corporation such as a bank and a credit cart company foradjusting the used charge of the motor vehicle usage by the user. Also,a reference numeral 2 indicates a shared motor vehicle which can be usedby using a smart card 5 which is owned by a user 4 who is registered asa membership in the control center.

Here, it is understood that a plurality of the shared motor vehicles 2are controlled under the control center 1. Also, it is understood thatwhatever numbers of the user 4 may exist.

Also, the control center comprises a control section 11, a membershipmaster 12, a charge list 13, a motor vehicle master 14, a port master15, a rental record 16, a communication device 17, an adjustmentprocessing section 18, and a network 19. The control section 11 performsa motor vehicle management control program in a computer system which isprovided with a CPU (Central Processing Unit) so as to control anoverall operation of the control center. Here, a detailed operation inthe control section 11 is explained later.

The membership master 12 is a database which records a registered datafor a user who is registered as a membership. In this database,information regarding (1) a user ID, (2) address, and (3) an informationfor a membership are recorded.

The charge list 13 is a database in which a pricing system for the usageof the shared motor vehicle is recorded. In the charge list 13,information such as (1) a base price (2) an extended price, and (3)overcharge•discount charge price are recorded.

The motor vehicle master 14 is a database in which information regardingeach shared motor vehicle is recorded for controlling the shared motorvehicle 2. For example, an information for each motor vehicle such as(1) a motor vehicle number, (2) motor vehicle type, (3) a parkingposition (parking port), and (4) condition are recorded.

The port master 15 is a database in which a condition regarding a portis recorded for controlling the shared motor vehicle 2. In the portmaster 15, for example, an information such as (1) a number of motorvehicle which are parked in the parking area, (2) a number of motorvehicle which are registered as the motor vehicle, and (3) parked motorvehicle number are recorded.

The rental record 16 is a database in which a usage record of the sharedmotor vehicle 2 is recorded. In the rental record 16, for example, aninformation regarding each user 4 such as (1) a user ID, (2) a rentedmotor vehicle number, (3) time of motor vehicle rental, (4) time ofmotor vehicle return, (5) departure place, (6) return place, (7)adriving distance, and (8) a used fuel are recorded.

The communication device 17 is an interface section for transmitting andreceiving an information regarding a shared motor vehicle 2 and a rentaland return of the motor vehicle such as a motor vehicle control data bythe control center. Here, the motor vehicle control data is transmittedand received between the control center 1 and the shared motor vehicle 2by a wireless communication via communication device (which is not shownin the drawing) which is disposed in each port.

The adjusting section 18 records a motor vehicle usage price and itstotal price per a plurality of log which is separated for billed partysuch as an account for a plurality of financial corporations per eachuser, or a plurality of accounts for a financial corporation. Theadjusting section 18 adjusts the billed price by these financialcorporation 3.

The network 19 is a communication network which forms a LAN (Loca AreaNetwork) for connecting the above control section 11, the mambershipmaster 12, the charge list 13, the motor vehicle master 14, the portmaster 15, the rental record 16, the communication device 17, and theadjustment processing section 18 in the control center so as to transmitand receive data therebetween.

Next, a shared motor vehicle 2 which is used in the present embodimentis explained with reference to drawings.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a structure in the shared motorvehicle 2. In FIG. 2, the shared motor vehicle 2 comprises acommunication antenna 21, a communication device 22, an antenna 23 for acard, a card reader 24, a control section 25, a door lock structure 26,a main power supply control section 27, a monitor display section 28, anoperation section 29, a key switch 30, a return button 31, aninformation storing device 32, a vehicle speed pulse detector 33, an A/Dconverter 34, a fuel meter 35, an antenna 36 for a tag, and an ID tagreader 37.

The shared motor vehicle 2 is parked in a parking area which is calledas a lot for a motor vehicle in the parking area. The control centerperforms a wireless communication with a communication device (not shownin the drawing) which is disposed in each port via the communicationdevice 22 which is connected to the communication antenna 21 so as toexchange various data.

The shared motor vehicle 2 notifies a signal which is read out by thecard reader 24 to the control section 25 which controls an operation ofthe shared motor vehicle 2 when the user 4 holds up, for example, anon-contacting readable and rewritable smart card 5 such that theantenna 23 for a card which is disposed in the shared motor vehicle 2can read out information stored in the smart card 5.

The control section 25 performs a wireless communication with thecommunication device (not shown in the drawing) which is disposed ineach port via the communication device 22 and the communication antenna21. Consequently, when the user 4 holds up the smart card 5, the sharedmotor vehicle 2 transmits an information that the user 4 request forusing the shared motor vehicle 2 to the control center 1 so as torequest a permission for a rental of the motor vehicle.

Also, the information storing device 32 is made of a ROM (Read OnlyMemory) and a RAM (Random Access Memory). The information storing device32 stores an ID number of the motor vehicle which is allocated to theshared motor vehicle 2 in advance and stores an ID number of the userwhich is inputted by the user and a PIN (Personal Identification Number)temporarily. When the control section 25 transmits the ID number of themotor vehicle which is stored in the information storing device 32 andthe ID number of the user which is inputted by the user to the controlcenter, a permission of the rental of the shared motor vehicle 2 isissued to the user. Consequently, a door lock structure 26 opens a doorkey according to an instruction from the control center which receives arequest of a rental of the motor vehicle. Also, when it is confirmedthat the PIN which is inputted by the user coincides in the PIN which isstored in the information storing device 32 in the control section 25,the main power supply control section 27 permits a use of an ignitioncircuit.

The user 4 inputs a necessary items according to instructions which aredisplayed on the monitor display section 28 from the operation section29 to the control section 25 when the shared motor vehicle 2 is rented.Consequently, the user 4 pushes the key switch 30 so as to turn on anignition of the shared motor vehicle 2; thus, the user 4 starts a rentalof the shared motor vehicle 2. Also, the user pushes the return button31 in the port so as to perform a returning operation when the sharedmotor vehicle 2 is returned to the port.

Here, the above smart cart 5 is an ID terminal in which a recorded IDnumber can be read out and rewritten. Also, the smart cart 5 is providedwith an IC (Integrated Circuit) which contains a processor which candetermine a simple judging operation in the smart card independently. Inthe present embodiment, the ID terminal which is used for notifying theID number to the shared motor vehicle 2 is not limited to an IC cardwhich is non-contacting readout and rewritable IC card or a contactingreadout and rewritable IC card as long as a readout device which isdisposed in the shared motor vehicle 2 can handle the data in the IDterminal. That is, any ID terminal such as a magnetic card, and a mobilephone which is provided with an IC chip thereinside can be used for theID terminal as long as the ID number which is stored thereinside can beread out and rewritten.

Also, during the shared motor vehicle 2 is driving, a motor vehiclespeed pulse signal which indicates a driving condition of the sharedmotor vehicle 2 is notified from the vehicle speed pulse detector 33 tothe control section 25. Furthermore, the fuel meter 35 is connected tothe control section 25 via the A/D converter 34; thus, the controlsection 25 can acknowledge a consumption of the fuel according to themotor vehicle speed pulse signal which indicates a driving condition ofthe shared motor vehicle 2.

Here, the detail of the operation for renting the shared motor vehicle 2by the user is explained later.

Also, the antenna 36 for a tag and the ID tag reader 37 are devices suchthat the shared motor vehicle 2 which is parked in the port maydistinguish the lot in the port. The tag is explained with reference toFIG. 3. As shown in FIG. 3, a plurality of lots 51 are disposed in theport 50 so as to park the shared motor vehicle 2. In each lot 51, an IDtag 52 is disposed so as to send an ID number which is allocated to eachof the port 50 and the lot 51.

ID tag 52 exchanges an original ID number per the port 50 and the lot 51with the antenna 36 for a tag according to either method such as anelectromagnetic coupling method, electromagnetic inducing method,microwave method, electrostatic coupling method, and opticaltransmitting method. The shared motor vehicle 2 acknowledges a positionof the port or the lot where the shared motor vehicle 2 is parked byreading the signal which is received by the antenna 36 for a tag by theID tag reader 37. Here, as shown in FIG. 3, two pieces of the ID tags 52are disposed diagonally in the lot 51 so as to serve as a front wheelstop and a rear wheel stop respectively. The antenna 36 for a tag isdisposed in either of a front corner or a rear corner which is closer tothe ID tag 52 (left front position in FIG. 3).

Also, a structure for acknowledging the positions of the port and thelot where the shared motor vehicle 2 is parked can be not only an ID tag52 but also a transmitting and receiving device which is used in the ETC(Electronic Toll Collection) system and a position detection sectionwhich uses a GPS (Global Positioning System).

Next, an operation in the motor vehicle sharing system according to thepresent embodiment is explained with reference to the drawings.

FIGS. 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9 are flow charts showing an entire processesin the motor vehicle sharing system.

The user 4 who is registered as a membership in the control center ownsa smart card 5; thus, the user 4 uses the shared motor vehicle 2.

The control section 25 in the shared motor vehicle 2 judges whether ornot there is a data in the card reader 24 (step S1) so as to knowwhether or not the master card 5 which is owned by the user 4 accessesthe shared motor vehicle 2. After that, the control section 25 awaitsthe access of the user 4 by the smart card 5 to the shared motor vehicle2 (NO in step S1).

In the step S1, when the user 4 accesses the shared motor vehicle 2 bythe smart card 5 (YES in step S1), the control section 25 in the sharedmotor vehicle 2 reads out the membership ID which is recorded in thesmart card 5 by the card reader 24 (step S2) and inquires to the controlcenter (step S3) via the communication device 22 and the communicationantenna 21.

On the other hand, the control section 11 in the control center 1 judgeswhether or not an inquiry for the membership ID comes (step S4) andawaits an inquiry for the membership ID coming from the shared motorvehicle 2 (NO in step S4).

In the step S4, when the inquiry for the membership ID comes from theshared motor vehicle 2 (YES in step S4), the control section 11 in thecontrol center 1 searches the membership list in the membership master12 according to the received membership ID (step S5) and judges whetheror not the inquired membership ID is a membership ID for an authorizeduser (step S6).

In the step S6, when the inquired membership ID is a membership ID forthe authorized user (YES in the step S6), the rental list which isrecorded in the rental list 16 is searched according to the receivedmembership ID (step S7); thus, whether or not the rental is adouble-booked rental is judged (step S8).

Also, in the step S6, when the inquired membership ID is not amembership ID for the authorized user (NO in the step S6), or when therental is a double-booked rental (YES in the step S8) because theinquired membership ID is double-booked, the control section 11 in thecontrol center 1 transmits a prohibition of the rental (step S9) to theshared motor vehicle 2 via the communication device 17; thus, the rentalof the shared motor vehicle 2 is not performed.

On the other hand, in the step S8, when the inquired membership ID isnot double-booked, (NO in the step S8), the control section 11 in thecontrol center 1 transmits the permission of the rental and the PIN tothe shared motor vehicle 2 via the communication device 17 (step S10):

In the step S3, the control section 25 in the shared motor vehicle 2which inquires the membership ID judges whether or not there is a datawhich is received from the communication device 22 (step S11) and awaitsthat the control center 1 receives a signal which relates to the rental(NO in the step S11).

In the step S11, when there is a data which is received from thecommunication device 22 (YES in the step S11), the control section 25 inthe shared motor vehicle 2 judges whether or not the received dataindicates rentable (step S12).

In the step S12, when the received data does not indicate the permissionof the rental (NO in the step S12), the flow chart returns to the stepS1 and repeats the above operations.

Also, in the step S12, when the received data indicates the permissionof the rental (YES in the step S12), the control section 25 in theshared motor vehicle 2 outputs a door unlock signal to the door lockstructure 26 (step S13) and displays a PIN input screen on the monitordisplay section 28 (step S14).

Next, the control section in the shared motor vehicle 2 judges whetheror not the PIN is inputted (step S15) and awaits until the PIN isinputted (NO in the step 15).

In the step S15, when the user 4 input the PIN by the operation section29 (YES in the step S15), the inputted PIN is given to the user 4 inadvance. In the step S10, whether or not the PIN which is given to theuser in advance coincide with the PIN which is transmitted from thecontrol center 1 is judged (step S16).

In the step S16, when the inputted PIN is given to the user 4 inadvance, and the PIN which is given to the user 4 in advance does notcoincide with the PIN which is transmitted from the control center 1 inthe step S10 (NO in the step S16), the flow chart returns to the step S1and the above operation is repeated.

Also, in the step S16, when the inputted PIN is given to the user 4 inadvance and the inputted PIN which is given to the user 4 in advancecoincides with the PIN which is transmitted from the control center 1 inthe step S10 (YES in the step S16), the rental time, the vehicle speedpulse counter, and the fuel amount at the rented time are set (stepS17). Here, condition is such as “rental time=present time”, “vehiclespeed counter=reset”, and “fuel at rented time=present value in the fuelmeter”.

After each item is set, the control section 25 in the shared motorvehicle 2 outputs an engine start permission signal to the main powersupply control section 27 (step S18).

Next, the control section 25 in the shared motor vehicle 2 judgeswhether or not a parking area detection by the antenna 36 for a tag andthe ID tag reader 37 is turned off by is turned off (step S19) so as toknow whether or not the user 4 turns on the ignition in the shared motorvehicle 2 and starts using the shared motor vehicle 2 (step S19), andawaits that the shared motor vehicle 2 departs the lot 51 in the port 50in the departing place such that the ID tag cannot be detected (NO inthe step S19).

In the step S19, when the shared motor vehicle 2 departs the lot 51 inthe port 50 in the departing place and the ID tag cannot be detected,the parking area detection by the antenna 36 for a tag and the ID tagreader 37 is turned off (YES in the step S19), and the control section25 in the shared motor vehicle 2 transmits an rental information to thecontrol center 1 via the the communication device 22 and thecommunication antenna 21 (step S20). Here, the rental informationindicates a rental time and the fuel amount at the rented time.

On the other hand, in the step S10, the control section 11 whichtransmits the permission of the rental and the PIN to the shared motorvehicle 2 in the control center 1 judges whether or not the rentalinformation is transmitted from the shared motor vehicle 2 (step S21)and awaits until the rental information is transmitted from the sharedmotor vehicle 2 (NO in the step of S21).

In the step S21, when the rental information is transmitted from theshared motor vehicle 2 (YES in the step S21), the control section 11 inthe control center 1 writes the membership ID of the user 4 who rentsthe shared motor vehicle 2, a rental time of the shared motor vehicle 2,and a fuel amount at the rented time in the rental list which isrecorded in the rental record 16 (step S22).

Also, during the shared motor vehicle 2 is driving, the vehicle speedpulse is always notified to the control section 25 in the shared motorvehicle 2 by the vehicle speed pulse detector 33, and the controlsection 25 calculates the vehicle speed pulse and measures the drivingdistance of the shared motor vehicle 2 (step S23).

Next, the control section 25 in the shared motor vehicle 2 judgeswhether or not the parking area detection by the antenna 36 for a tagand the ID tag reader 37 is turned on (step S24) so as to know whetheror not the shared motor vehicle 2 arrives at the lot 51 in the port 50in a destination place, and awaits until the shared motor vehicle 2arrives at the lot 51 in the port 50 in the destination place and the IDtag 52 can be detected (NO in the step S24).

In the step S24, when the shared motor vehicle 2 arrives at the lot 51in the port 50 in the destination place and the ID tag can be detected,the parking area detection by the antenna 36 for a tag and the ID tagreader 37 is turned on (YES in the step S24), and the control section 25in the shared motor vehicle 2 turns on a lamp which indicates“returnable” in the return button 31 (step S25).

Consequently, whether or not the return button 31 is turned on is judged(step S26). Consequently, in this step, it is awaited that the user 4turns on the return button 31 so as to return the shared motor vehicle 2(NO in the step of S26).

In the step S26, when the user 4 pushes the return button 31 so as toreturn the shared motor vehicle 2 (YES in the step S26), the controlsection 25 in the shared motor vehicle 2 sets the rented time, thevehicle speed pulse counter, and the fuel amount at the returned time(step S27). Here, condition is such as “returned time=present time”,“vehicle speed counter=reset”, and “fuel at returned time=present valuein the fuel meter”.

After completing the settings for each item, the control section 25 inthe shared motor vehicle 2 transmits the return information to thecontrol center 1 via the communication device 22 and the communicationantenna 21 (step S28). Here, the return information indicates thereturned time, the driving distance, and the fuel amount at the returnedtime.

On the other hand, in the step S22, the control section 11 which writesthe membership ID of the user 4 who rents the shared motor vehicle 2, arental time of the shared motor vehicle 2, and the fuel amount at therented time in the rental list which is recorded in the rental record 16in the control center 1 judges whether or not the return information istransmitted from the shared motor vehicle 2 (step S29) and awaits untilthe return information is transmitted from the shared motor vehicle 2(NO in the step of S29).

In the step S29, when the return information is transmitted from theshared motor vehicle 2 (YES in the step S29), the control section 11 inthe control center 1 writes the membership ID of the user 4 who returnsthe shared motor vehicle 2, the returned time of the shared motorvehicle 2, driving distance, and the fuel amount at the returned time inthe rental list which is recorded in the rental record 16 (step S30).

Consequently, the used charge is calculated according to the drivingdistance, the usage time, and the used fuel amount (step S31), and thecalculated used charge is recorded in a space for records of thedesignated user 4 in the rental list which is recorded in the rentalrecord 16 (step S32).

Also, in the step S28, the control section 25 in the control center 1transmits the used charge to the shared motor vehicle 2 via thecommunication device 17 (step S33).

On the other hand, in the step S28, the control section 25 whichtransmits the return information to the control center 1 in the sharedmotor vehicle 2 judges whether or not there is a received data from thecommunication device 22 (step S34) and awaits until the signal whichrelates to the price is received from the control center 1 (NO in thestep of S34).

In the step S34, when there is a received data from the communicationdevice 22 (YES in the step S34), the control section 25 in the sharedmotor vehicle 2 displays the received price data in the monitor displaysection 28 (step S35).

Next, the control section 25 in the shared motor vehicle 2 judgeswhether or not there is a data in the card reader 24 so as to judgewhether or not the user 4 is accessing the shared motor vehicle 2 by thesmart card 5 (step S36) and awaits until the user 4 leaves from theshared motor vehicle 2 with the smart card 5 (YES in the step S36).

In the step S36, when the user 4 leaves from the shared motor vehicle 2with the smart card 5 (NO in the step of S36), the control section 25 inthe shared motor vehicle 2 outputs the door lock signal to the door lockstructure 26 (step S37) and transmits the return completion signal tothe control center 1 via the communication device 22 and thecommunication antenna 21 (step S38).

The control section 11 which receives the return completion signal fromthe shared motor vehicle 2 in the control center 1 sets the condition ofthe motor vehicle to be retable (step S39).

After that, the shared motor vehicle 2 and the control center 1 returnto the first step (step S1 for the shared motor vehicle 2, and the stepS4 for the control center 1), and the above operation is repeated.

Here, in the above step S28, when the return information is transmittedfrom the shared motor vehicle 2 to the control center 1, the controlsection 25 in the shared motor vehicle 2 starts a timer and locks thedoor after a predetermined period of time even if the door lock signalis not outputted in the step S37. Furthermore, if it is impossible tolock the door even if the door lock operation is performed, the controlsection 25 in the shared motor vehicle 2 request that a staff personnelshould be dispatched to the place where the door cannot be locked. Theused charge is adjusted in a bank account in the financial corporation 3which is designated per each user according to the record in the rentalrecord 16 via the adjustment processing section 18 when the userperforms the returning operation.

Next, other embodiment of the present invention is explained withreference to the drawings.

FIG. 10 is a flow chart for showing the operations in a motor vehiclesharing system in other example of the embodiment. FIG. 10 explains anequivalent sections in the above embodiment shown in FIG. 8. FIG. 10 isdifferent from FIG. 8 in the operations from the step S27 to the stepS34. The other steps before steps S27 and the steps after the steps S35are the same; therefore, the explanations for the same operations areomitted.

In a different embodiment shown in FIG. 10, in the step S27, the controlsection 25 in the shared motor vehicle 2 sets the return time, thevehicle speed pulse counter, and the fuel amount at the returned time,and after that, the control section 25 in the shared motor vehicle 2stores each item in the information storing device 32 temporarily (stepS40).

Next, the control section 25 in the shared motor vehicle 2 judgeswhether or not it is possible to communicate with the control center 1via the communication device 22 and the communication antenna 21 (stepS41) and awaits, if communication is impossible, until it is possible tocommunicate with the control center 1 (NO in the step of S40).

In the step S41, if it is possible to communicate with the controlcenter 1 via the communication device 22 and the communication antenna21 (YES in the step S41), the return information is transmitted to thecontrol center 1 (step S28). Here, the return information indicates thereturn time, the driving distance, and the fuel amount at the returnedtime.

On the other hand, in the step S22, the control section 11 which writesthe membership ID of the user 4 who rents the shared motor vehicle 2,the rental time of the shared motor vehicle 2, and the fuel amount atthe rented time in the rental list which is recorded in the rentalrecord 16 in the control center 1 judges whether or not the returninformation is transmitted from the shared motor vehicle 2 (NO in thestep S29) and awaits until the return information is transmitted fromthe shared motor vehicle 2 (NO in the step of S29).

In the step S29, when the return information is transmitted from theshared motor vehicle 2 (YES in the step S29), the control section 11 inthe control center 1 writes the membership ID of the user 4 who returnsthe shared motor vehicle 2, the returned time of the shared motorvehicle 2, driving distance, and the fuel amount at the returned time inthe rental list which is recorded in the rental record 16 (step S30).

Consequently, the used charge is calculated according to the drivingdistance, the usage time, and the used fuel amount (step S31), and thecalculated used charge is recorded in a space for records of thedesignated user 4 in the rental list which is recorded in the rentalrecord 16 (step S32).

Also, in the step S28, the control section 25 in the control center 1transmits the used charge to the shared motor vehicle 2 via thecommunication device 17 (step S33).

On the other hand, in the step S28, the control section 25 whichtransmits the return information to the control center 1 in the sharedmotor vehicle 2 judges whether or not there is a received data from thecommunication device 22 (step S34) and awaits until the signal whichrelates to the price is received from the control center 1 (NO in thestep of S34).

In the step S34, when there is a received data from the communicationdevice 22 (YES in the step S34), the control section 25 in the sharedmotor vehicle 2 displays the received price data in the monitor displaysection 28 (step S35).

Next, a second embodiment of the present invention is explained withreference to FIGS. 11 to 18. Hereinafter, the same reference numeralsare applied to corresponding members as shown in the first embodiment soas to omit the repeated explanation thereof.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing structure in the second embodiment.FIG. 11 shows an equivalent structure to that in the FIG. 1 forexplaining the first embodiment. FIG. 11 is different from FIG. 1 inthat a charge list 13 is disposed in the shared motor vehicle 2 asexplained later and the control center 1 does not have the charge list13.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing structure of the shared motor vehicle2 in the present embodiment. FIG. 12 shows an equivalent structure tothat in the FIG. 2 for explaining the first embodiment. FIG. 12 isdifferent from FIG. 2 in that the shared motor vehicle 2 has themembership list 40 and the charge list 42.

The shared motor vehicle 2 notifies a signal which is read out by thecard reader 24 to the control section 25 which controls an operation ofthe shared motor vehicle 2 when the user 4 holds up, for example, anon-contacting readable and rewritable smart card 5 such that theantenna 23 for a card which is disposed in the shared motor vehicle 2can read out information stored in the smart card 5.

The membership list 40 which is a copy of the membership master 12 inwhich a registration data of the user who is registered as a membershipin the control center 1 and membership information such as (1) user ID,(2) address, (3) membership are recorded. The control section 25 refersthe record in the membership list to the signal which is read by thecard reader 24 and judges whether or not the motor vehicle is rented.Here, the record in the membership list 40 is compared to the record inthe membership master 12 periodically; thus, the contents of the recordare updated.

Also, when a permission for the rental of the shared motor vehicle 2 isgiven to the user, the door lock structure 26 opens the door key suchthat the main power supply control section 27 can use the ignitioncircuit.

In the present embodiment, following features are the same as those inthe first embodiment such that the user 4 inputs a necessary itemsaccording to instructions which are displayed on the monitor displaysection 28 from the operation section 29 to the control section 25 whenthe shared motor vehicle 2 is rented. Consequently, the user 4 pushesthe key switch 30 so as to turn on an ignition of the shared motorvehicle 2; thus, the user 4 starts a rental of the shared motor vehicle2. Also, the user pushes the return button 31 in the port so as toperform a returning operation when the shared motor vehicle 2 isreturned to the port.

A charge list 42 is a database in which a pricing system for the usageof the shared motor vehicle 2 is recorded. In the charge list 42,information such as such as (1) a base price (2) an extended price, and(3) overcharge * discount charge price are recorded.

During the shared motor vehicle 2 is driving, the motor vehicle speedpulse signal which indicates a driving condition of the shared motorvehicle 2 is notified from the vehicle speed pulse detector 33 to thecontrol section 25 similarly to a case of the first embodiment.Furthermore, the fuel meter 35 is connected to the control section 25via the A/D converter 34; thus, the control section 25 confirms how muchfuel is consumed.

The control section 25 calculates the used charge according to thedriving distance which is calculated based on the motor vehicle pulsewhich is detected in the vehicle speed pulse detector 33 and the usedfuel amount which is calculated according to the fuel meter 35 withreference to the charge list 42. Consequently, the control section 25transmits the calculated used charge together with the ID number of themotor vehicle which is stored in the information storing device 32 andthe ID number and the PIN for the user which are inputted by the user into the control center 1. The control center 1 records these informationas a rental record.

Next, an operation in the motor vehicle sharing system according to thepresent embodiment is explained with reference to drawings.

FIGS. 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, and 18 are flow charts showing an entireprocess flow in the motor vehicle sharing system.

The user 4 who is registered as a membership in the control center 1owns a smart card 5; thus, the user 4 can use the shared motor vehicle2.

The control section 25 in the shared motor vehicle 2 judges whether ornot there is a data in the card reader 24 (step S1) so as to knowwhether or not the master card 5 which is owned by the user 4 accessesthe shared motor vehicle 2. After that, the control section 25 awaitsthe access of the user 4 by the smart card 5 to the shared motor vehicle2 (NO in step S1).

In the step S1, when the user 4 accesses the shared motor vehicle 2 bythe smart card 5 (YES in step S1), the control section 25 in the sharedmotor vehicle 2 reads out the membership ID which is recorded in thesmart card 5 by the card reader 24 (step S2) and searches in themembership list 40 according to the received membership ID (step S3),and judges whether or not the membership ID indicates an authorized user(step S4).

In the step S4, if the received membership ID indicates an authorizeduser (YES in the step S4), the control section 25 in the shared motorvehicle 2 outputs the doorlock signal to the door lock structure 26(step S5) and displays the PIN inputting screen on the monitor displaysection 28 (step S6).

Also, in the step S4, if the received membership ID does not indicatethe authorized user (NO in the step of S4), the flow chart returns tothe step S1; thus, the control section 25 in the shared motor vehicle 2repeats the above operation and does not rent the shared motor vehicle2. Here, in case of a double-booked rental according to the receivedmembership ID, the shared motor vehicle 2 is not rented.

Next, whether or not the PIN is inputted is judged (step S7), and it isawaited until the PIN is inputted (NO in the step of S7).

In the step S7, when the user 4 inputs the PIN from the operationsection 29 (YES in the step S7), the inputted PIN is given to the user 4in advance. Consequently, whether or not the PIN which is given to theuser in advance coincides with the PIN which is recorded in themembership list 26 transmitted from the control center 1 is judged (stepS8).

In the step S8, when the inputted PIN is given to the user 4 in advance,and the PIN which is given to the user 4 in advance does not coincidewith the PIN which is recorded in the membership list 40 (NO in the stepS8), the flow chart returns to the step S1 and the above operation isrepeated.

Also, in the step S8, when the inputted PIN is given to the user 4 inadvance and the inputted PIN which is given to the user 4 in advancecoincides with the PIN which is recorded in the membership list 40 (YESin the step S8), the rental time, the vehicle speed pulse counter, andthe fuel amount at the rented time are set (step S9). Here, condition issuch as “rental time=present time”, “vehicle speed counter=reset”, and“fuel at rented time=present value in the fuel meter”.

After each item is set, the control section 25 in the shared motorvehicle 2 outputs an engine start permission signal to the main powersupply control section 27 (step S10).

Next, the control section 25 in the shared motor vehicle 2 judgeswhether or not the parking area detection by an antenna 36 for tag andan ID tag reader 37 is turned off (step S81) so as to judge whether ornot the user 4 turns on the ignition of the shared motor vehicle 2 so asto start using the shared motor vehicle 2 and awaits until the sharedmotor vehicle 2 leaves from the lot 51 in the port 50 in the departingplace and it is not possible to detect the ID tag 52 (NO in the step ofS11).

In the step S11, when the shared motor vehicle 2 leaves from the lot 51in the port 50 in the departing place and it is not possible to detectthe ID tag 52, the parking area detection by an antenna 36 for tag andan ID tag reader 37 is turned off (YES in the step S11); thus, theshared motor vehicle 2 starts driving. During the shared motor vehicle 2is driving, the motor vehicle speed pulse is always notified to thecontrol section 25 in the shared motor vehicle 2 by the vehicle speedpulse detector 33. The control section 25 calculates the notified motorvehicle speed pulse so as to measure the driving distance of the sharedmotor vehicle 2 (step S12).

Next, the control section 25 in the shared motor vehicle 2 judgeswhether or not the parking area detection by the antenna 36 for the tagand the ID tag reader 37 is turned on (step S13) so as to know whetheror not the shared motor vehicle 2 arrives at the lot 51 in the port 50in the destination place. Consequently, the control section 25 awaitsuntil the shared motor vehicle 2 arrives at the lot 51 in the port 50 inthe destination place such that it is possible to detect the ID tag 52(NO in the step of S13).

In the step S13, when the shared motor vehicle 2 arrives at the lot 51in the port 50 in the destination place and it is possible to detect theID tag 52, the parking area detection by the antenna 36 for tag and theID tag reader 37 is turned on (YES in the step S13) and the controlsection 25 in the shared motor vehicle 2 turns on the lamp whichindicates “rentable” on the return button 31 (step S14).

Consequently, whether or not the return button 31 is turned on (stepS15), and it is awaited that the user 4 turns on the return button 31 soas to return the shared motor vehicle 2 (NO in the step of S15).

In the step S15, when the user 4 turns on the return button 31 andreturns the shared motor vehicle 2 (YES in the step S15), the controlsection 25 in the shared motor vehicle 2 sets the returned time, themotor vehicle speed pulse counter, and the fuel amount at the returnedtime (step S16). Here, the condition is such as “return time=presenttime”, “vehicle speed counter=reset”, and “fuel at returned time=presentvalue in the fuel meter”.

After each item is set, the control section 25 in the shared motorvehicle 2 calculates the driving distance, the usage time, and the usedfuel amount (step S17) and calculates the used charge based on theseinformation with reference to the charge list 42 (step S18).

Consequently, the control section 25 in the shared motor vehicle 2displays the calculated price data on the monitor display section 28(step S19).

Next, the control section 25 in the shared motor vehicle 2 judgeswhether or not there is a data in the card reader 24 (step S20) so as tojudge whether or not the user 4 is accessing to the shared motor vehicle2 by the smart card 5 and awaits until the user 4 leaves the sharedmotor vehicle 2 together with the smart card 5 (YES in the step S20).

In the step S20, when the user 4 leaves the shared motor vehicle 2together with the smart card 5 (NO in the step of S20), the controlsection 25 in the shared motor vehicle 2 outputs the door lock signal tothe door lock structure (step S21) and transmits a return completionsignal to the control center 1 via the communication device 22 and thecommunication antenna 21 (step S22). Here, it is understood that thereturn completion signal contains the membership ID of the user 4 whouses the shared motor vehicle 2, the rented date and time, the returndate and time, the usage time, the driving distance, the consumed amountof the fuel in the shared motor vehicle 2.

On the other hand, the control section 11 in the control center 1 judgeswhether or not there is a received data in the communication device 17(step S23) so as to know whether or not the return completion signal istransmitted from the shared motor vehicle 2, and awaits until the returncompletion signal is transmitted from the shared motor vehicle 2 (NO inthe step of S23).

In the step S23, when the return completion signal is transmitted fromthe shared motor vehicle 2 (YES in the step S23), the control section 11in the control center 1 writes the membership ID of the user 4 who usesthe shared motor vehicle 2, the rented date and time, the return dateand time, the usage time, the driving distance, the consumed amount ofthe fuel in the shared motor vehicle 2 in the rental list which isrecorded in the rental record 16 (step S24).

Next, the control section 11 in the control center 1 judges whether ornot a periodical accounting process such as a monthly accounting processis performed (step S25). When the periodical accounting process isperformed (YES in the step S25), a used charge is charged to adesignated bank account of the user in the financial corporation 3 basedon the membership master 12 and the record in the rental record 16 viathe adjustment processing section 18 (step S26).

Also, the control section 11 in the control center 1 updates themembership list which is recorded in the membership master 12 (step S27)and transmits the membership list which is recorded in the membershipmaster 12 to the shared motor vehicle 2 via the communication device 17(step S28).

On the other hand, the control section 25 in the shared motor vehicle 2judges whether or not there is a received data in the communicationdevice 22 (step S29) so as to know whether or not the membership list inthe membership master 12 which is updated by the control center 1 istransmitted, and awaits until the membership list in the membershipmaster 12 which is updated by the control center 1 is transmitted (stepS30).

In the step S30, when the membership list of the updated membershipmaster 12 is transmitted from the control center 1 (YES in the stepS30), the control section 25 in the shared motor vehicle 2 updates acontent in the membership list 26 to be a content in the receivedmembership list (step S31).

Here, in the above embodiment, explanations are made the content in themembership list 40 in the shared motor vehicle 2 is updated based on themembership master 12 in the control center 1 every time the shared motorvehicle 2 is used for example, in the step S31. However, it mayacceptable when the such an updating operation is performed periodicallyin the accounting operation in, for example, the step S26. Furthermore,in the steps S3 and S4, when the membership ID of the user 4 who wishesusing the shared motor vehicle 2 is not recorded in the membership list40 (NO in the step of S4), it may be acceptable that a request forupdating the membership list 40 is sent to the control center 1 so as toalways operate the motor vehicle rental business based on the latestdata.

Industrial Applicability

As explained above, according to the present invention, even when acommunication between the control center and the motor vehicle isdisrupted, a motor vehicle uses a detector so as to detect a start ofthe motor vehicle rental and an end of the motor vehicle rental. Inparticular, according to a first aspect of the present invention, themotor vehicle detects a parking position of the motor vehicle itself byusing a parking position detector; therefore, it is possible to recordthe usage information of the motor vehicle by a user accurately byacknowledging a start and an end of the rental of the motor vehicle andby measuring the usage information which relates to the used charge ofthe motor vehicle according to the acknowledged information regardingthe start and the end of the rental of the motor vehicle. Therefore, theuser can return the motor vehicle reliably, and the motor vehicle canperform a billing process in the control center.

Also, it is confirmed that a communication between the control centerand the motor vehicle is possible by the communication confirmingsection and a usage information of the motor vehicle is transmitted tothe control center when a communication is possible with regardless to atiming of returning a motor vehicle. Therefore, it is possible to solveconventional problems that the user can not return the motor vehiclebecause a communication between the motor vehicle and the control centeris disrupted and the control center cannot perform a billing process tothe usage of the motor vehicle.

Also, according to a second aspect of the present invention, the motorvehicle itself is provided with a membership list of the users and ausage charge list of the motor vehicle. Also, whether the user whowishes using the motor vehicle is an authorized user is judged and themotor vehicle itself performs a calculation for a used charge to theusage of the motor vehicle. Thus, the motor vehicle itself performsprocesses for a motor vehicle rental and a motor vehicle return.Therefore, it is possible to solve conventional problems that the usercan not rent nor return the motor vehicle because a communicationbetween the motor vehicle and the control center is disrupted and thecontrol center cannot perform a billing process to the usage of themotor vehicle.

Also, it is not necessary for the control center to communicate with themotor vehicle every time the user uses the motor vehicle. Also, it isnot necessary to judge whether the user is an authorized user is judged.Therefore, it is possible to reduce an information processing amount fora lot of the motor vehicle; thus, it is possible to reduce cost for anew investment for a facility which is necessary for the control centerbecause the information processing role is distributed in the motorvehicles themselves.

1. A motor vehicle sharing system for managing motor vehicles are parkedin a parking area and renting the motor vehicles to users wherein themotor vehicle is provided with: a detector for detecting a start ofmotor vehicle rental when a motor vehicle rental is permitted to a userand end of the motor vehicle rental; and an usage data measuring sectionfor starting a measurement for a motor vehicle usage data when thedetector detects a start of the motor vehicle rental and completing themeasurement for the motor vehicle usage data when the detector detectsan end of the motor vehicle rental.
 2. A motor vehicle sharing systemaccording to claim 1 wherein: the detector includes a position detectorfor detecting a parking area; the usage data measuring section startsmeasuring the motor vehicle usage data when the usage data measuringsection detects a departure of the position detector from the parkingarea; the usage data measuring section completes measuring the motorvehicle usage data when the usage data measuring section detects anarrival of the position detector at the parking area.
 3. A motor vehiclesharing system according to claim 1 further comprising a control centerwherein the motor vehicle is further provided with: a communicationconfirming section for confirming whether or not it is possible tocommunicate to the control center when the usage data measuring sectioncompletes measuring the motor vehicle usage data; a temporary datastoring and transmitting section for transmitting the motor vehicleusage data to the control center when the communication confirmingsection judges that it is possible to communicate with the controlcenter, storing temporarily the motor vehicle usage data in an datastoring section when the communication confirming section judges that itis not possible to communicate with the control center, and transmittingthe motor vehicle usage data to the control center after it is possibleto communicate with the control center.
 4. A motor vehicle sharingsystem according to claim 2 wherein: the position detector contains areceiver which receives a signal which is made in a signal generatorwhich is disposed in the parking area; and the position detector judgeswhether a motor vehicle departs the parking area or arrives at theparking area according to whether or not there is a signal arrived inthe receiver.
 5. A motor vehicle sharing system according to claim 2wherein the position detector judges whether a motor vehicle departs theparking area or arrives at the parking area according to a GPS (GlobalPositioning System).
 6. A motor vehicle sharing system according toclaims 1 wherein the control center performs calculation process for aused charge according to the motor vehicle usage data.
 7. A motorvehicle sharing system according to claims 1 wherein the motor vehicleusage data contains at least a usage time of the motor vehicle, a usedfuel amount in the motor vehicle, and a driving distance of the motorvehicle.
 8. A motor vehicle sharing system according to claim 1 whereinthe motor vehicle is further provided with: a membership list in whichinformation of users who can use motor vehicle motors; a charge list onwhich a relationship of the motor vehicle usage data which relates to amotor vehicle rental and return and the used charge for the motorvehicle is recorded; a rentability judging section for judging whetheror not the motor vehicle can be rented to the user by referring theinformation which is inputted by the user when the motor vehicle isrented to the records in the membership list; a charging data generatingsection for making a charging data of the user by referring the motorvehicle usage data which is measured during the rental of the motorvehicle and the return of the motor vehicle by the usage data measuringsection to the records in the charge list.
 9. A motor vehicle sharingsystem according to claim 8 further comprising a control center whichtransmits and receives a charging data with a vehicle wherein: the motorvehicle is provided with a transmitter which transmits a charging datato the control center; and the control center is provided with a chargebilling section which calculates a used charge according to the chargingdata for a predetermined period and bills the used charge to the user.10. A motor vehicle sharing system according to claim 8 wherein: thecontrol center has a master membership list which contains a latest dataof users who can use motor vehicles; and the motor vehicle obtains themaster membership list from the control center every time the user usesthe motor vehicle and updates the membership list.
 11. A motor vehiclesharing system according to claim 8 wherein: the control center has themaster membership list which contains a latest data of users who can usemotor vehicles; and the motor vehicle obtains the master membership listfrom the control center periodically and updates the membership list.12. A motor vehicle sharing system according to claim 8 wherein: thecontrol center has the master membership list which contains a latestdata of users who can use motor vehicles; and the motor vehicle obtainsthe master membership list from the control center and updates themembership list when an information which is inputted by the user is notrecorded in the membership list.
 13. A motor vehicle sharing systemaccording to claims 8 further comprising a position detector fordetecting the parking area wherein the usage data measuring sectionstarts measuring the motor vehicle usage data when a departure of theposition detector from the parking area is detected; and the usage datameasuring section completes measuring the motor vehicle usage data whenan arrival of the position detector at the parking area is detected. 14.A motor vehicle sharing system according to claims 8 wherein the motorvehicle usage data contains at least a usage time of the motor vehicle,a used fuel amount of the motor vehicle, or a driving distance of themotor vehicle.